DailyPrompt:Write about your first computer

Let’s get in the time machine and go back to the beginning. This daily prompt works well with my weekly series on how I went from working on the shipping dock to retiring from a tech career. Before The Resume

In 1982–1983, my computer was the Atari 800XL. I had no clue what I was doing and no idea why I bought this. I do think I bought it at K-Mart as I was working there at the time. The system had no monitor; you connected it to the TV. I also had the storage of a small tape drive. This computer was a big deal for Atri, getting away from the game system. It was made to compete with the Commodore 64 and Apple II.  

I kept it in the corner of my bedroom. Having only a basic understanding of computers, I decided to try it out after attending a night BASIC class. Now, what do I code? I was always wondering what people meant when they said “in my free time, I code.” Code What?

Code without a reason or a project. SO that was kind of it for me at the beginning. I started banging on keys, I got it to say “hello,” and I heard the tape drive start. I eventually thought of writing a data entry system so I can log all my songs for my Disc Jockey business. The DJ business was doing well the programming was not going so well, but that all changed. By the time I was done 40+ years later, I could do; python, Perl, SQL, and Excel, but all that is for another time and my weekly series. Anyway, that was my first exposure to the very beginning of computers, what I had and started with. Compared to today’s devices, my iPhone possesses much greater computing power.

Author: kwholley63

I spent 40 years in FinTech before retiring to Rio de Janeiro to trade software releases for a front-row seat to the beautiful absurdity of life in Brazil. This blog is my digital porch, a place for unpolished commentary on book reviews, daily gripes, and the random thoughts of a guy who finally has the time to pay attention. I’m an observant realist with a deep appreciation for history, a good quote, and the perspective that only comes after the career ends. I write to stay sharp, to stay honest, and to keep the conversation going. I love my Patriots and Bruins, a life long fan in bad times and good. They have been quite good for a long time now! I love spending time with my wife the best times are just doing nothing; watching tv, talking or just sitting at the beach together for a few hours. Our spot is pier 60 in Clearwater. I love the time I have with my kids when I can, they are all pretty busy. Seinfeld is about the best comedy ever. You will see me frequently comment on the show and why my blog is about nothing.

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